With all of our imperfections, we begin and end each day at the foot of the cross. It is here where our story begins and we pray it is where it will end. "Jesus said: Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." ~Matthew 11:28-30~

Listen to God's voice at the foot of the crucifix." ~St. Gaspar del Bufaro~

Monday, December 19, 2011

Advent Prayer & Stress Relief

+The final stretch of Advent is upon us!+

How are things going at your house right about now? We are busy baking, procrastinating on gift wrapping, and cleaning up the house for guests, all while the laundry keeps multiplying. Of course Christmas music is playing! Do you ever feel like just when one mess gets picked up, another is well under way?...Ahhh, Tis the Season for colds and flus too. We are hanging in there but some of us are on the verge:)

Time for a little stress relief...Prayer and thanksgiving always does the trick!

Dear Lord, thank you for making my Advent journey what YOU wanted for me and not what I wanted...

There has been so much to do but You still helped me slow down, just when I needed to. Thank you for showing me tender moments to treasure.

Thank you for the gift of music and song to fill our souls. Christmas concerts and caroling are sure ways to cheer!

Thank you for the gift of my Mother and a Grandmother to enjoy time together this season of life. You have helped me appreciate the gift of family through 4 generations.

Taking time to SIT and have tea was a special treat...

Thank you for the gift of a 91 year old Grandmother who shares my same bible study each week. Please watch over her as she says she is "cramming for her finals..."

Thank you for helping us realize that we all should be cramming for our finals! All of this Advent preparing is for You, our only real joy and salvation.

Thank you for giving us dear friends to walk with on our journey of faith.

Your love shines through.Thank you for helping us with charity, even when we thought we couldn't give any more. You have helped us see that there might not be room at the Inn but God always has a plan.Thank you, sweet babe in the manger, for bringing me to my knees.Amen.

3 comments:

Thank you Tiffany for a beautiful reflection of gratitude! Your Advent Season has been filled with joy and love! Your grandmother is so sweet! You are blessed to have your grandmother and mother still with you. Merry Christmas!

what a lovely post. your mother and grandmother are beautiful ladies! how blessed you and your daughters (sons and hubby too) have them both in your lives! oh your friends in Christ -- what an uplifting relationship you must have with them!

Favorite Prayers

A Prayer of the Cure' of Ars, St. John Vianney (Patron Saint of Priests) in the Year of The Priest

I love you, O my God and my only desire is to love you until the last breath of my life. I love you, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving you, than live without loving you. I love you, Lord, and the only grace I ask is to love you eternally....My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that I love you, I want my heart to repeat it to you as often as I draw breath.Amen

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The Anima Christi (Soul of Christ)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from Christ's side, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me

Within Thy wounds hide me

Suffer me not to be separated from Thee

From the malicious enemy defend me

In the hour of my death call me And bid me come unto Thee That I may praise Thee with Thy saints and with Thy angels Forever and ever.

Amen

The Anima Christi is a prayer from around the 14th century. It is still widely used after receiving the body and blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.